Open Chch returns with behind-the-scenes treats

An annual celebration of Christchurch’s architectural excellence will this year feature behind the scene tours of the Court Theatre building site, and exploration of Ōtautahi’s love affair with modern homes and an insight into intergenerational living on ancestral Māori land.

Open Christchurch 2024 – which highlights some of the city’s best buildings and special spaces – will take place over the weekend of May 4 and 5.

Fifty open buildings, four guided walks, three landscapes, three special events and over 40 activities feature in the event programme, with the opportunity to take a look inside many of the structures without booking in advance.

Visitors can discover how a large supermarket distribution centre has been been transformed into a new home for Marian College and can also take a guided walk through the award-winning Fonua Mana Tongan Church in Wigram.

Run by Te Pūtahi – Centre for Architecture and City-Making – the programme includes old favourites, including the Observatory Hotel at the Arts Centre and the College House university hall of residence.

Theatre fans who want to assess for themselves how the Court Theatre build is going can book to go on site on Sunday, May 5.

The whānau who live at the Rāpaki Papakāinga will invite visitors to find out more about the site throughout the weekend, although advance bookings are required.

An evening lecture at the Ara Institute on Friday, May 3 will launch the festival, with Professor Albert Refiti considering the history and presence of Pacific architecture across the moana and in Aotearoa.

Te Pūtahi director Jessica Halliday said: “Open Christchurch is a chance to encounter the city through architecture and designed spaces.

“Thanks to the generosity of our building partners, we have a wide array of buildings to explore in 2024. Most do not require booking – so just plan your weekend and turn up.

“This year we’re pleased to offer myriad ways to discover and learn about architecture and the built environment, including an architectural treasure hunt in the central city designed for children and whānau.”

Full details of Open Christchurch 2024 are available on the festival website.

IAIN MCGREGOR/THE PRESS Open Christchurch will offer a behind the scenes peek at the Court Theatre building project, as part of its festival of architecture on May 4 and 5.

The historic Common Room at the Arts Centre will also feature in the festival. It was once used by male students at Canterbury College.

SHEPPARD & ROUT ARCHITECTS, 2023 Open Christchurch will take visitors to the new home of Marian College – a transformed supermarket distribution centre.